March Happenings at Gumbo Limbo

Hammock Happenings E-News: March 2023

Gumbo Limbo Camp

Do you have a budding conservationist? Spring break can be fun and educational! Sign them up for Gumbo Limbo Camp where they will learn about the importance of caring for and protecting our coastal habitats and the animals that live there. Sign up for one, two, or all three days!

Advanced reservations are required.
Ages 6-8
Monday, March 20; Tuesday, March 21; Wednesday, March 22
8:30 am-12:00 pm
Cost per child per day: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward Member $30; All others $35

EcoWatch Lecture Series

Local Conservationist, Rick Newman, will be sharing his research on songbird monitoring, banding, and migration.

Wednesday, March 15, 6:30 pm
Boca Raton Library – Downtown, 400 NW 2nd Avenue, Boca Raton, FL 33432
Call 561-544-8605 to register
small bird being held and a band being placed on leg.

March Nature Programs
General Program and Registration Information
Advanced reservations are required through WebTrac (unless otherwise indicated). If you do not have a WebTrac account, please see instructions on our website. Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration. Refunds given only if program is cancelled by Gumbo Limbo.

A Resident is someone who lives within the boundaries of the City of Boca Raton or the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District. A Member is someone with a current membership to Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards.

Beach Treasures
Beachcombing is a favorite Florida pastime. With warm sunshine, cool breezes, sand between your toes, the sound of the surf, and the smell of the salty sea air, what’s not to love? Learn all about the shells and other treasures found on Boca’s Beaches, then join one of our expert beachcombers in search of the mysteries the sea has left behind!

Reservations are recommended; call 561-544-8605 to register for this free program.
All ages, children under 18 must be accompanied by a registered parent/guardian.
Tuesday: March 7, 2:00-3:30 pm
Friday: March 31, 2:00-3:30 pm

Citizen Science Squad
Gain hands-on field experience by participating in a different scientific data collection project each month. Our educational activities support conservation-based projects that relate to Gumbo Limbo’s mission.

Advanced reservations are required.
Ages 9-13; adults do not participate but must sign child in and out.
Sunday: March 19, 10:00-11:00 am
Cost per child: Resident/Member $5; All others $8

Early Birding with Al
Pick up some new skills or sharpen the old ones! Learn about our native and migratory birds from an experienced birder, as we walk the Ashley Trail and the boardwalk in search of warblers, gnatcatchers, woodpeckers, and other avian species. Binoculars recommended.

Reservations are not required. Meet on the front porch of the Nature Center.
All ages: children under 18 must participate with an adult.
Thursday: March 30, 8:30-10:00 am
Golden Hour Guided Tours
Join us for an after-hours tour through Gumbo Limbo’s open-air butterfly garden, Ashley Nature Trail, Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility, and lighted outdoor aquariums, beginning with peaceful sunset views over the Intracoastal Waterway. Parts of the tour take place on a mulched trail.

Adults and children ages 7 and up; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered parent/guardian.
Tuesdays: March 14, March 28; 5:30-7:00 pm
Friday: March 3, March 24; 5:30-7:00 pm
Cost per person: Resident/Member $10; All others $13

Greener with Gumbo: Sustainable Living Workshops
Are you ready for some sustainable New Year’s Resolutions? Go Green with Gumbo Limbo! Discover ways to live more sustainably in 2023 by attending one, two, or all three of our workshops. All workshops include an interactive presentation and a DIY planet-friendly project to take home.

Adults and children ages 12 and up; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered parent/guardian.
Saturday: March 25, 10:00-11:00 am; Sustainability Outdoors!
Cost per person: Resident/Member $9; All others $12

Home School Workshops
Join Gumbo Limbo Educators for super science-based lessons for your homeschool students, ages 3-12. Participate in science activities related to the monthly topic, prepared specifically with your student’s age group in mind.

Ages: Students will be divided into three age groups: 3-5 years, 6-8 years, and 9-12 years. Parents/guardians stay with ages 3-5 ONLY; younger/older siblings must participate in their own age groups.
Wednesday: March 15; 2:00-3:30 pm (2:00-3:00 pm for ages 3-5)
Cost per child: Resident/Member $5 (siblings $3), All others $8 (siblings $5).
Intracoastal Adventures – Intro to Canoeing
Not experienced enough to confidently make your way through waves, wind, and tangled canoe trails? Then this program is for you! In preparation for our more experienced canoeing adventure, we provide an opportunity for you to get more familiar with paddle strokes and navigating, get comfortable out on the open water, and learn the best techniques to avoid tipping, all while enjoying the shallow waters along the edge of the Intracoastal. 2-3 people per canoe; single paddlers will be paired with staff or another participant.

Advanced reservations are required.
Ages 13-adult; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered parent/guardian.
Saturday: March 4, 10:00-11:30 am
Cost per person: Resident/Member $20; All others $25

Intracoastal Adventures – Kayaking
Beautiful scenery, fresh air, and exercise! Explore the Intracoastal shores and mangrove trails, while learning about the fascinating mangrove and estuary ecosystems of South Florida. Must have kayaking experience and be able to get in and out of a kayak without assistance. Single/double kayaks will be assigned to couples/groups as available.

Advanced reservations are required.
Ages 7-adult; each child under 12 must be accompanied by one parent/guardian in a double kayak. Minors under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered adult.
Sunday: March 5, 9:00-10:30 am
Friday: March 17, 12:00-1:30 pm
Saturday: March 18, 9:00-10:30 am
Monday: March 27, 2:00-3:30 pm
Cost per person: Resident/Member $20; All others $25
Little Wonders
This program will allow you and your child to learn about the wonders of nature through stories, explorations, and crafts.

Advanced reservations are required.
Ages 3-4 with an adult (one adult per family please).
Saturday: March 4, 10:00-11:00 am
Cost per child: Resident/Gumbo Limbo Member $8; All others $10

Nature Detectives
This program will allow you and your child to learn about the wonders of nature through stories, explorations, and crafts.

Advanced reservations are required.
Ages 5-6 with an adult (one adult per family please).
Saturday: March 4, 12:00-1:00 pm
Cost per child: Resident/Member $8; All others $10

The Science of Nature
What is the name of the science that studies insects and spiders? What does a dendrologist do? Come find out for yourself! We will explore the science of nature and conduct some scientific experiments and activities of our own.

Ages 7-8; parents/guardians do not participate but must sign child in and out.
Sunday: March 26, 10:00-11:00 am
Cost per person: Resident/Member $8; All others $10

Free Daily Programs
Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feeding
What is the connection between mangrove and coral reef communities? How do fish use these habitats? Learn about the fascinating behaviors of native fish, stingrays, and other marine life during these free presentations. Meet at the outdoor marine aquariums.

All ages: children under 18 must participate with an adult.
Daily at 12:30 pm

Sea Turtle Talk
Get the inside scoop on our Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility. Last year, over 100 sea turtle patients were treated at Gumbo Limbo. Meet some of our current patients and hear their stories. Why are they here? What can you do to help? Meet in the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility for a free presentation.

All ages: children under 18 must participate with an adult.
Daily at 2:00 pm